NEC 2018 focuses on innovation; features new activities

The National Export Congress (NEC), the highlight the 2018 National Exporters’ Week (NEW), has levelled up with new activities and innovations in line with the theme: “SPICE (Stimulate. Permeate. Innovate. Connect. Expand]) Up to Scale Up.”

Simultaneous activities were held on December 7, 2018 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Pasay City to further expand the export community’s networks and help them establish better connections with other businesses.

The NEC was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), together with the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport), Export Development Council (EDC), Board of Investments (BOI), Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), and Competitiveness Bureau (CB). This year, the event introduced many firsts including the Logistics Services Philippines (LSPH) Conference and Exhibition, Business Matching Hub, and Export Enablers Exhibit.

“We have to stimulate the exporting community so they can take advantage of the opportunities of the global market,” DTI-EMB Director Senen M. Perlada said. “We have to promote our exporters, develop their capabilities, and make sure they will be able to sustain their exports,” he added.

The LSPH and Export Enablers Exhibit served as a venue for the participants to connect with government agencies, logistics providers, and other business organizations. The exhibits also provided delegates with updates on the country’s current regulations and market prospects. Among the exhibitors were the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Food Development Council (FDC), Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), and QBO Innovation Hub. The LSPH exhibit was graced by CTSI Logistics Phils. Inc., One Lina Group of Companies (OneLGC), DHL Express, and All Transport Network Inc., among others.

Local exporters also had the chance to meet with suppliers, retailers, and possible foreign buyers at the Business Matching Hub. Distinguished panelists from the public sector and industry discussed topics like “Lowering the Cost of Exporting, Internationalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through Digital Economy,” and “Solutions to Bottlenecks on Exports.”

Another first in NEC 2018 was the development of the NEC App which was made available via App Store and Google Play. Through the app, participants were given an access to the event agenda and the list of speakers in just one platform. It also enabled them to connect and share photos with their fellow attendees. Meanwhile, in another event, the DTI-EMB awarded the Philippines’ top exporters for their excellence and contribution in pursuing the country’s inclusive and sustainable export development.♦